Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict will miss the first Steelers game because of his three-game suspension for repeated illegal hits, including his hit to the head of Pittsburgh receiver Antonio Brown during Cincinnati's last-minute meltdown in the playoffs last season. AP

Bengals (+3 ¹/₂) over STEELERS: League officials have assigned veteran ref Pete Morelli to oversee this battle royal, with a reformulated, veteran crew (per Pro Football Talk), looking to keep semblance of order. This only can help the Bengals, up against the past masters of sly ire-inspiring tactics.

Saints (+4 ¹/₂) over GIANTS: What soundness exists within the New Orleans defense hangs by a thread, but we would be hard pressed to trust Big Blue to put Drew Brees and Co. away by daylight on MetLife’s artificial turf — especially off win over the Cowboys.

LIONS (-6) over Titans: Stat you can’t just put aside regarding the Lions: Since shortly after offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter was named to his post, QB Matthew Stafford’s enjoyed a 20:1 touchdown:interception ratio under center for the Lions.

Chiefs (+3) over TEXANS: Kansas City is off the greatest comeback in franchise history, falling behind 24-3 late in the third quarter against our Chargers before taking full advantage of San Diego’s “prevent” posturings. We’re reluctant to rush Brock Osweiler into the Hall of Fame, yet.

PATRIOTS (-6 ¹/₂) over Dolphins: Even with Rob Gronkowski nursing a hamstring and no Tom Brady until October, Bill Belichick hasn’t lost a home regular-season AFC East clash where motivation existed since September 2008. Dolphins will need lockdown defense to hang in.

Josh McCownAP

BROWNS (+7) over Ravens: With Robert Griffin III again out of commission due to his careless scrambling, it’s Josh McCown in the driver’s seat for the Browns. At least, it’s a fat divisional home pup.

Cowboys (+3) over REDSKINS: Given what we’ve seen from Dallas rookie QB Dak Prescott, will look to “take” anything with Jerry Jones’ roster when away from the pressures of AT&T Stadium, though Cowboys’ recent record sans Tony Romo is gruesome.

PANTHERS (-13 ¹/₂) over 49ers: Super Bowl losers blessed with four extra days of rest/prep time, catching Niners off ego-inflating Monday night shutout of Rams — though there are better things to do than lay multiple TDs.

Buccaneers (+6 ¹/₂) over CARDINALS: Tampa Bay is on way up, and has been a more alert item away from the Pirate Ship in recent years, though this is its second straight roadie — way out West, to boot.

RAMS (+6 ¹/₂) over Seahawks: Market is telling you Russell Wilson should be a go (despite right ankle issues). But Jeff Fisher’s Rams managed to upset this foe in both meetings last season — and expect L.A. RB Todd Gurley to have a significant influence on today’s result.

Colts (+6 ¹/₂) over BRONCOS: The depth of the Colts’ defense — hardly sterling to begin with — has been severely depleted — and Trevor Siemian continues his charmed matchup life — but Indy has long held upper hoof in equine rivalry.

Falcons (+5 ¹/₂) over RAIDERS: Jack Del Rio snatched one from the Saints, but now Silver and Black face needy veteran team capable of putting internal issues aside to take this to wire, presuming Julio Jones participates.

VIKINGS (+2) over Packers: Aaron Rodgers has Jordy Nelson back, but the Packers were fortunate to escape Jacksonville. This is the Vikings’ first league home game in new digs, with Sam Bradford expected to make initial start for the Purple Gang. Edge to Minnesota’s defense.

Monday

Eagles (+3) over BEARS: You can count the number of NFL QBs who started in their first two official league games — and won both — on one hand. Two of the names in lights are John Elway and Joe Flacco. But like Carson Wentz’s chances in mangy-Bear hunt.